Q: Why doesn’t the government offer these resources for free?

A: Two reasons - 1) nothing is really free, it would still costs you in your tax payer dollars to put something like this together. 2) We are pretty sure they don’t want to deal with redacting all the proprietary information on the thousands of proposals that they receive every other month. It’s a huge liability.

Q: Why don’t you offer these resources for free?

A: Because our time is valuable and we invested hundreds of hours into these proposals. If you are looking for free resources check out our blog or www.sbir.gov.

Q: What information is redacted from the winning proposals?

A: All proprietary information, classified information, financial details, identifying information about government customers, email addresses, other contact information and any information that may have national security implications.

Q: What can you learn from a redacted proposal?

A: Strategy, tone, phrasing, layout, how to communicate complex concepts quickly and efficiently…all ingredients that go into a winning document. Names of products and people that you’ve never heard of don’t impact the value of the work (it’s that good).

Q: Do you give feedback on proposals?

A: No, but you can submit your proposal for post-mortem review on our YouTube channel.

Q: I have a winning proposal, can you sell it for me?

A: Maybe. You can submit proposal for consideration in the marketplace here.

Q: Can I share/post/publish these proposals and templates?

A: No. Please read the Purchase Agreement before buying.

Q: Can I get a refund?

A: No. As these are instant download digital products we do not offer refunds.

Q: What AI proposal writers do you recommend?

A: We haven’t had luck with dedicated proposal writing AI tools - we talk about our experience with it and our suggestions for how to incorporate other AI tools (sparingly and strategically) on our YouTube channel as well as on the blog.

Q: What is DSIP?

A: DSIP stands for Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal. It is the website companies use to submit SBIR/STTR proposals to the Department of Defense. Other departments and agencies will use their own submission portal. Only US citizens with a US IP address can log into DSIP.

Q: What is the difference between SBIR and STTR programs?

A: SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) are both government programs providing non-dilutive funding to small businesses for innovative R&D. The main difference is that STTR requires collaboration with a nonprofit research institution, while SBIR does not.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for SBIR/STTR funding?

A: Eligibility typically includes U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The principal investigator must be primarily employed by the applicant company. Each agency may have specific requirements—review the solicitation carefully before applying.

Q: How do I choose the right SBIR or STTR topic for my business?

A: Start by reviewing open solicitations and matching your technology or research expertise with the agency’s needs. Consider your team’s strengths, available resources, and the competitive landscape before selecting a topic. We break down our process to decide bid or no bid on the blog.

Q: What are the most common mistakes in SBIR/STTR proposal submissions?

A: Common mistakes include missing deadlines, incomplete documentation, lack of clarity in technical approach, improper budget calculations, and failure to follow agency-specific formatting guidelines. Read our guide to common proposal mistakes for more details.

Q: How can I improve my chances of winning an SBIR or STTR award?

A: Focus on clear, concise writing; address every requirement in the solicitation; justify your budget; and highlight your team’s expertise. Using proven templates and strategy guides can also boost your chances of success.

Q: What resources do you offer for first-time SBIR/STTR applicants?

A: We provide winning proposal templates, cost volume builders, and free resources to help you navigate the application process.

Q: How long does it take to prepare a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal?

A: Preparation time varies, but most applicants spend a few weeks crafting a strong proposal, including technical writing, budgeting, and gathering required documentation.

Q: Can I use your templates for multiple SBIR/STTR submissions?

A: Yes, our templates are designed for flexibility and can be adapted for use in multiple submissions, as long as you comply with our Purchase Agreement and agency guidelines.

Q: What happens if my proposal is not selected for funding?

A: If your proposal is not awarded, request a feedback letter from the agency. Use the insights to strengthen future submissions—continuous improvement is key to eventual success.

Q: Do you provide support for agencies other than the Department of Defense?

A: Most of our resources are DoD-focused as it that is where we have personal experience. We also offer guidance applicable to NASA, and companies interested in selling their winning proposals or templates for other agencies can contact us.

Q: How do I submit my SBIR/STTR proposal?

A: Submission portals vary by agency. For the Department of Defense, use the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). NASA uses ProSAMS, and other agencies have their own platforms. Always check the solicitation for submission instructions.